Notable Recent Sightings

20/04 Whimbrel 1, Dolydd Hafren
12/04 Black-necked Grebe 1, in breeding plumage, Llyn Coed-y-Dinas
10/01 White Stork 1, photo'd near Llansantffraid, present up to 28 Feb
01/10 Glossy Ibis 1, photo'd by Osprey camera at Cors Dyfi
17/09 Grey Phalarope 1 juv, Red Ridge Centre, Cefn Coch, photo'd
29/05 Pink-footed Goose 1, over Welshpool, photo'd on 09/06
01/05 Red-throated Diver 1, Llyn Clywedog
07/02 Whooper Swan 44, Lake Vyrnwy
31/01 Whooper Swan 51, Haimwood, Llandrinio
   
See Sightings Archive for older records

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Warbler workshop

 

Take a good look at this fine portrait of a Reed Warbler, taken at Pwll Penarth on 2 May by Meurig Garbutt. Apart from the typical reedy habitat, distinguishing features include long bill and tapering tail (wider at base than tip). Now compare this with the bird photographed by Louise Ward on the same day at Llyn Coed-y-Dinas, which I (rather hastily) identified as a Garden Warbler:

Perhaps I was fooled by the background (trees not reeds) and the angle of the bill, making it look short. Paul Leafe has written to me, tactfully suggesting it's not a Garden Warbler at all, but a Reed Warbler. I think he is right - my apologies for the error. With hindsight I agree that the overall colouration is too warm buff for Garden. Reed Warblers don't always stay in reeds! 

Here for comparison is a non-copyrighted photo of a Garden Warbler from Wikimedia Commons: 

Thanks to Paul, Meurig and Louise. Further comments welcome! 


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3 comments:

  1. sue s12 May 2022 at 22:29

    Thanks for the ID tips Simon - I'm learning from your (very understandable) mistake, and I'm guessing I'm not alone!

    ReplyDelete
  2. tarkamerl13 May 2022 at 16:00

    Thanks Simon, this is really interesting and helpful. I to think I thought female Whitethroat! XD

    ReplyDelete
  3. Eryl13 May 2022 at 22:42

    A garden warbler up our lane looked just like a whitethroat when seen head on singing. Damned lbjs.

    ReplyDelete

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